William Lazear arrives safely.

William Lazear describes family activities.

William Lazear writes about a heat wave, travel plans, and family news.

William Lazear arrives safely. He gives news of relatives.

This is a highly detailed map of Havana, Cuba.

Reed discusses a lawsuit concerning his reputation and his brother Christopher Reed's excessive exertions on his behalf. [Courtesy of the Library of Virginia]

Reed plans to enter the U.S. Army Medical Corps, and gives his rationale. He describes his experiences in the city. He explains his later plans for marriage and his philosophy of life.

Reed informs Lawrence that he is studying for the Medical Corps exam. He describes the exam, and offers his opinion of social engagements.

These endorsements and letters of recommendation for Walter Reed relate to his appointment as Assistant Surgeon to the US Army. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed acknowledges the receipt of the invitation to appear before Army Medical Examination Board. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed accepts an invitation to appear before the U.S. Surgeon's Examining Board, and explains that he would have responded sooner had he not contracted a fever. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed is exhausted from work. He plans a trip home. His step-mother is curious about his relationship with Emilie Lawrence. He critiques contemporary novels.

Reed seeks permission to call on Emilie Lawrence.

Reed offers many compliments to Emilie Lawrence. He claims in verse that he is not a poet and assures her his feelings for her are genuine.

Reed is worried that he may be writing Emilie Lawrence too frequently. He is sick but will persevere to take his medical exam.

In these two cards, Reed requests permission to call on Lawrence.

Reed inquires if [Emilie Lawrence] is attached, and asks if he may visit her.

Reed expresses his love for his dispersed family, and notes that it has been one year since he met her. Reed will delay taking his medical exam.

Reed lovingly writes to Emilie Lawrence that he will not forget her.

Reed writes that he misses her. Reed's step-mother is in Norfolk and may visit Murfeesboro - Emilie Lawrence's hometown. He has received his commission from Army Medical Corps.

Reed writes a paper on hygiene for qualification as an Army Surgeon. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed writes a paper on physiology for qualification as an Army Surgeon. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed writes a paper on anatomy for qualification as an Army Surgeon. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed's Army Medical Board Certificate gives his personal information and includes the names of the Board members. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed writes an autobiography for the Army Examination Board.

Reed writes a paper on surgery for qualification as an Army Surgeon. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Brown recommends Reed's appointment as Assistant Surgeon, US Army, but notes that Reed's acquaintance with general literature and science is not up to the expected standard. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed declines an appointment as Acting Assistant Surgeon, United States Army. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed professes his love to Emilie Lawrence, and looks forward to seeing her again.

Reed discusses his future life in the Army and asks Emilie Lawrence to marry him.

Reed assures Emilie Lawrence of the sincerity of his feelings. She has not yet given an answer to his marriage proposal.

This series of endorsements by the Surgeon General and Secretary of War requests that Reed be assigned to a military post on the Atlantic Coast. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed seeks permission to call on Emilie Lawrence.

Reed writes that he made a medical call on Emilie Lawrence's relative, Mrs. Vaughan, on his way home to New York. He had been in North Carolina visiting Emilie Lawrence.

Reed writes that he has been delayed in Boykins on his way back to New York.

Reed expresses his devotion to Emilie Lawrence.

Reed expresses his devotion to Emilie Lawrence.

Lazear writes about killing potato bugs, attending church, studying the map of Europe, and memorization.

Reed and Emilie Lawrence are engaged. They anticipate separation for his military assignment.

Reed delights in Emilie Lawrence's love and prays for worthiness.

Reed informs Emilie Lawrence, his fiance, that the question of military leave is at the discretion of the Surgeon General.

Reed has not heard from Emilie Lawrence. He expresses affection for her relative Mrs. Vaughan.

Reed expresses his devotion to Emilie Lawrence. News spreads of their engagement.

Reed has his uniform tailored for a photograph to give to Emilie Lawrence. He makes plans to visit her.

Reed expresses his devotion to Emilie Lawrence. He admires her forgiving spirit, and writes her poetry. He writes to her mother to confirm their engagement, and reports that the photograph he had made of himself in uniform will be ready soon.

Reed signs an Oath of Office after being appointed to Assistant Surgeon in the Military Services of the United States. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed informs the Adjutant General about his appointment as Assistant Surgeon. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed writes that he misses her.

Reed writes Emilie Lawrence that he is lonely without her.

Reed describes to Emilie Lawrence his trip to New York City on a steamer from Portsmouth, Virginia. He relates a story containing a lesson of married life.

Reed describes to Emilie Lawrence the difficulties he undergoes to reach his army post at Willets Point, New York harbor.

Reed gives Emilie Lawrence a description of the U.S. Army base at Willets Point, New York harbor. He describes his duties there as a medical officer.

Byrne informs the Surgeon General that Reed will be assigned to Willets Point for instruction in the duties of a medical officer. Following instruction, a report is to be sent to the Military Division of the Atlantic. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

The Surgeon General has assigned Walter Reed to Willet's Point, New York Harbor for instructions in the duties of a Medical Officer.

Reed informs Emilie Lawrence that he has light military duties and an easy command as a medical officer at Willets Point U.S. Army base. He misses her.

Reed, in verse, declares his devotion to Emilie Lawrence.

Reed assures Emilie Lawrence of his devotion. He describes a visit to New York City to buy her wedding ring.

Reed responds to Emilie Lawrence's teasing. He alludes to their wedding planned for the fall of 1876. He is beginning study of French and German.

Reed reassures Emilie Lawrence of his devotion. He learns she is unhappy, but does not know why.

Reed misses Emilie Lawrence. He offers a prayer to his deceased natural mother. He also discusses various topics, including medical treatments, a Catholic service, French lessons, and reading.

Reed reassures Emilie Lawrence of his devotion. He admits that she has great influence over him.

Reed sends an engagement ring to Emilie Lawrence by express mail.

Reed remains devoted to Emilie Lawrence. He comments on a caricature she has drawn, which includes mosquitos.

Reed describes his activities to Emilie Lawrence: French language studies, reading, and chess. He promises no card playing at her request.

Reed reiterates his devotion to Emilie Lawrence. He describes errands in New York City and his responsibilities at Willet's Point Army Base.

Reed reiterates his devotion to her. He describes a view of the planets by telescope.

Reed teases Emilie Lawrence about writing. He reiterates his devotion to her, and makes plans to visit her.

Reed pledges to abstain from irony in his future correspondence with Emilie Lawrence.

Reed describes his military responsibilities. He assures Emilie Lawrence that she is above all others in his heart.

Reed writes to Emilie Lawrence concerning irony. He notes that there was a delay in receiving her letter.

Reed's visit to Emilie Lawrence is set, but he teases her first.

Reed misses Emilie Lawrence after visiting her. He writes lines of poetry and offers a critique of an Episcopalian minister.

Reed expresses his devotion to Emilie Lawrence. He expects a permanent military assignment in the spring.

Reed takes a carriage ride to see the fall colors.

Reed makes a visit to a doctor's family. An army general gives him word on his future assignment.

Emilie Lawrence visits Norfolk and Reed teases her.

Reed reiterates his devotion to Emilie Lawrence. He describes his responsibilities and notes that General Humphreys, Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers, arrives at the base for a dinner.

Reed relates to Emilie Lawrence details of his brother's visit.

Reed describes a dinner given for General Humphreys, Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers. He also describes city sights seen with his brother. He gives a defense of army life and teases her.

Reed describes athletic events and a tournament. He comments on jealousy.

Reed makes a statement on irony in the letters he and Emilie Lawrence send each other.

Reed assures Emilie Lawrence of his devotion, and he apologizes for the ironic tone which offended her.

Reed learns that Emilie Lawrence is nursing her nephew who has typhoid fever. He expresses concern for her health, and apologizes for his sad letter earlier today.

Reed writes that he has not heard from her, and he feels dejected. He attends a reception with a heavy heart.

Reed expresses his anxiety for Emilie Lawrence's health. He reiterates his devotion to her.

Reed reiterates his devotion to Emilie Lawrence. He expresses his hope for the future.

Reed learns of the death of Emilie Lawrence's nephew. He meditates on Christian duty and on life's purpose for him.

Reed visits New York City, where he buys Emilie Lawrence a book. He is concerned for her health.

Reed reaffirms his feelings for Emilie Lawrence. He describes the physician's lot, and inquires about the new Murfreesboro newspaper and their friends Miss Peace and Mr. Sharpe.